The Norfolk OPP will be out in full force for Sunday’s big party at Pottahawk Point.
Officers in uniform and plain clothes will be present at marinas, working with marina owners to ensure public safety both on and off the water and enforcing necessary laws. Police will also be conducting random vessel checks throughout the day to ensure that the required safety equipment is on board, Norfolk OPP said in a statement released Friday.
The OPP will also be vigilantly patrolling Norfolk County highways and secondary roads to promote motoring safety. Police will be targeting aggressive drivers who speed, drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, drive distracted or fail to wear seat belts.
“We want everyone attending Pottahawk to behave in a safe and responsible manner and to prioritize their safety and the safety of others,” acting Insp. Jeff McNorgan, the Norfolk County OPP detachment commander, said in a prepared statement.
The OPP will have dedicated safety lanes on Lake Erie to allow officers to incidents quickly. These lanes are only to be used by police and should not be blocked by any vessel.
Widely known as the Pottahawk Pissup, the party takes place annually on the second Sunday in July. Last year’s party attracted 500 boats.
Norfolk OPP say emergency services respond to numerous incidents involving injured and impaired boaters while at Pottahawk Point, Lake Erie. Many of the incidents involve alcohol and, in some instances, people left stranded without a ride back to shore.
Police are urging all boaters to refrain from picking up unknown individuals looking for a ride to Pottahawk.
Those planning to attend Pottahawk are reminded to: